Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how Surfspotter uses cookies and similar technologies. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They help the site remember your preferences, keep you logged in, and understand how you use the service.

Surfspotter uses both session cookies (deleted when you close your browser) and persistent cookies (remain on your device for a set period).

2.1 Essential Cookies

These cookies are required for the Service to function. They cannot be disabled.

2.2 Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your experience by remembering your preferences:

• Language preference: Remembers your chosen language (en, fr, de, pt, es, id)
• Theme preference: Stores dark/light mode selection
• Search history: Remembers recent searches for quick access
• Map settings: Stores your preferred map view and zoom level

2.3 Analytics Cookies

We use privacy-first analytics to understand usage patterns:

• Vercel Analytics: Page performance and visitor counts (no personal data collected)
• Speed Insights: Core Web Vitals monitoring for performance optimization

2.4 Marketing & Notification Cookies

Only with your consent, these support push notifications and promotional communications:

• OneSignal — powers web push notifications. Loaded only after you opt in, and your browser asks separately before any notification is sent.

2.4 Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies are set by our service providers:

• Stripe: Payment processing and fraud prevention cookies
• Supabase: Authentication and database session cookies
• Music services: Apple Music and Spotify integration cookies (only when you connect your account)

Third-party cookies are governed by the respective provider’s privacy policies. We have no control over how these providers use their cookies.

Under Swiss FADP and EU GDPR, we use the following legal bases for cookies:

• Strictly necessary: No consent required (essential for Service operation)
• Functional: Legitimate interest (improving user experience)
• Analytics: Legitimate interest (understanding usage patterns, no personal data collected)
• Marketing cookies: your consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR / Art. 31 FADP), which you can withdraw at any time.

We do not use cookies that require explicit consent (e.g., advertising cookies). If this changes in the future, we will implement a cookie consent banner and update this policy.

4.1 Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Block all cookies (may prevent the Service from functioning)
• Block third-party cookies only
• Delete cookies when you close your browser
• Receive a notification before a cookie is set

4.2 In-App Cookie Settings

You can manage your cookie preferences directly in Surfspotter by going to Settings > Privacy > Cookie Preferences. This allows you to opt out of non-essential cookies without affecting core functionality.

Some of our service providers operate outside Switzerland and the EU/EEA. When cookie data is transferred internationally, we ensure:

• Adequate data protection through Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs)
• Compliance with the Swiss-US Data Privacy Framework where applicable
• Regular review of third-party data protection practices
• No transfers to countries without adequate data protection unless safeguards are in place

We may update this Cookie Policy when we add new cookies, change our cookie practices, or update our service providers. Material changes will be communicated via email or in-app notification. The “Effective Date” at the top reflects the most recent revision.

7. Contact Us

If you have questions about our use of cookies: